Compressed
air is used in a growing number of household tools. It is both powerful
and hazardous.

Here
are a few precautions for working with pneumatic tools:

If you are doing carpentry or some other project and using a pneumatic
tool that shoots fasteners (such as nails or staples), make sure it
is equipped with a device that keeps the fastener from ejecting unless
you are pressing the muzzle against a firm surface.

Just
as you don’t point a gun at something you don’t want to
shoot, never point a tool at items you don’t want to fasten.

Don’t
hold the tool with your finger on the trigger. Move it into place when
you are ready to start shooting fasteners into something. Most pneumatic
tools have very sensitive triggers; it takes only a small amount of
pressure to activate them.

Be
careful with the air hose. Keep in clean, and don’t crimp it or
crush it. Although they appear stronger and more durable, you should
treat an air hose like you would treat an electrical cord.

Don’t
try to drive a fastener into a hard or brittle surface.

Check
to see if the fastener you are using will protrude through the wood
or other material you are working with. If so, make sure that protruding
nail won’t pose a hazard for anyone who will come into contact
with your work.